Lavengro · Chapter
LXXIV explained
The narrator departs to buy provisions and returns to find Peter and Winifred waiting.
What happens
The narrator departs to buy provisions and returns to find Peter and Winifred waiting. He insists on not being beholden to them for food, leading to a discussion about pride. Later, under the oak tree, the narrator and Peter talk about fairies, the Bardd Cwsg, and Peter's past. Peter becomes deeply distressed when the narrator asks about his story, but eventually agrees to tell it another time.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Priestcraft
Peter's religious anguish over his sin (Pechod Ysprydd Glan) and the discussion of the Bardd Cwsg's visions of sin, death, and hell.
Honor and Morality
The narrator's refusal to be beholden to others for food and his emphasis on conferring rather than receiving favors, highlighting a personal code of honor.
Characters to notice
- Lavengro
The narrator leaves to buy provisions, returns, and engages in philosophical and theological discussion with Peter.
- Peter Williams
Peter is melancholy but becomes more cheerful during conversation; he is deeply troubled when reminded of his past sin (Pechod Ysprydd Glan).
- Winifred
Winifred shows concern for Peter's distress and comforts him; she participates in the discussions about pride and hospitality.
Key passages
“I will not share your breakfast. Because it is not proper that I be beholden to you for meat and drink.”
The narrator declines to accept food from Peter and Winifred because he does not want to be indebted to them.
Illustrates the narrator's pride and independence.
“I wonder if the fairies ever dance beneath it?”
The narrator muses about the possibility of fairies dancing under the oak tree.
Leads to a discussion about Welsh folklore and the Bardd Cwsg.
“Do I not believe in devils, why am I here at the present moment?”
Peter implies that his belief in devils is the reason for his current state of suffering and repentance.
Reveals Peter's deep religious guilt.